Hamdullah Mohib named Afghanistan's new NSA

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani announced Hamdullah Mohib as the new National Security Advisor (NSA). Mohib succeeds Mohammad Hanif Atmar who unexpectedly resigned from the post.

Mohib was formerly serving as the ambassador to the United States since 2015, TOLOnews reported.

A statement by the Presidential Palace on August 26, noted that the ceremony was attended by Interior Minister Wais Ahmad Barmak and Defence Minister Tariq Shah Bahrami, besides other high ranking officials.

Ghani thanked Atmar for his efforts and added that his expertise would be used in the country. "Accepting the resignation of a long-term friend and co-worker was a difficult decision for me, but this decision should be taken for the benefit of the country. I have instructed the security sector to keep in place all security measures and Hanif Atmar's personal security measures in place. Now, our goal is to focus on the future," he said.

The Afghan President also wished Mohib success for his new role as the NSA and hailed him for his hard work during his stint as the Afghan envoy to the US. The 35-year-old diplomat also reciprocated and pledged to carry out his duties to the best of his ability.

Mohib, who originally hails from Nangarhar province, had studied in the United Kingdom (UK) and obtained a degree in computer systems engineering. He also served as the director of information technology at the American University of Afghanistan upon his return from the UK.

The Afghan diplomat, who holds British citizenship, was one of Ghani's campaign aides during the 2009 presidential elections in the country.

On August 25, Atmar resigned from the post of NSA due to "serious differences over policies and approaches at the top level of government." In a statement, the 49-year-old Atmar stated that he had a different opinion in terms of "national unity, national consensus, peace and security, political management, electoral affairs, good governance and regional affairs" and added that due to "his differences", he was resigning as there was no consensus. Atmar was appointed as the NSA in 2014.